b'academically, socially and emotionally.Beard told the story of a young artist from Irvington who had his work accepted to the Inspired Minds gallery exhibition. When it came time to put his work up for sale, he opted not to. The reason, it turns out, is that he didnt think anyone would want to buy it. When he found someone who said shed be willing to pay $100 for his work, he was blown away. It gave him such a boost of confidence, he went back and asked if shed be willing to pay $125. She said yes!That is the perfect representation of what confidence can do, Beard says. I have value. I want to make sure that I am getting my full value. I thought it was brilliant that he went back to renegotiate.That student enlisted in the military so he can save money for college. McCrear is now in her second year at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College as a commercial dance major. She dreams of one day touring with a major music artist as a dancer. She came back to SOPAC this year to help judge the Paul Bartick Emerging Artist Awards. She was part of the panel that Artwork from the Inspired Minds 2025 exhibit of student artwork in mixed mediums.Credit: Lauren Dick named Frimpomaa as this years recipient. Frimpomaa, who just graduated from Millburn High School, will be a freshman at the Rhode Island School That confidence. That ability to striphave to say and what they create isof Design in the fall, studying graphic design. She dreams of one day having away self-doubt. worthy of our attention. a successful graphic design career and her own art exhibit.And whether students choose toIts not about turning every stu- Arts education can cultivate social and emotional growth in students. pursue a career in the arts, or a com- dentintoaprofessionalartist.ItsIt nurtures their identitywho theyre going to be, Beard said. I think pletely different field such as medi- aboutunlockingconfidence,con- it empowers them to see their world in a different way and know that they cine or law, the boost to their con- nectionandcuriositythattheyllcan shape it because they have confidence to be the leader. And it really is fidence is something they will carrycarry with them long after the finalpreparing them for life, not just their next step in a grade level of curriculum withthemthroughouttheirlives,boworbrushstroke,Beardsaid.or even in arts education. Its really preparing them for life. Beard says. The belief that they canWehavefoundthat,acrosstheCindy Perman is a freelance writer, editor and pet sitter, who lives in Maplewood. do whatever they set their mind to.board,involvementinartseduca- She was that artsy kid who loved dance, music and art, and does her best to re-Andthatwhotheyare,whattheytion is linked to positive outcomesmain an artsy adult.STAY COMFY WITH WOOLLEY! YEARS AND COUNTINGSAVE with a MAINTENANCE PLANfor SINCE 1924HEATING, COOLING & HEAT PUMPS Your local ONE-STOP SHOP for allyour home comfort needs:You get an annual service call, plus these benefits: heating, plumbing and cooling15% off the regular service fee1 year warranty on partsand repairs related to the system $25 in loyalty credits accrue annuallyCALL OR VISIT US ONLINE covered under your plan for each plan you have, for as longFOR AN APPOINTMENT Priority emergency service as you maintain your plan 15% off plumbing repairs24/7 customer service 973-847-2354representativeTAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE SPECIAL OFFERSFREE 3-Year A/C or Heating Need Plumbing Repairs? 0% FinancingMaintenance Plan Were Flushing Away Our Service Fee! for 18 Months on a New A/Cwith any New A/C or Heating Install Book a plumbing repair with Woolley and wellor Heating SystemValued Over $545! waive the $99 service fee.Worry-free maintenance, priority service, no hidden fees!FREE ESTIMATE CALL 973-847-2354 LEARN MORETerms apply.* Terms apply.**Woolley Home Solutions|woolleyhome.com|12 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood|973-847-2354feature story /37'